Alligator Surrendered to the Suffolk County SPCA
A Shirley resident has turned over a 3-foot-long alligator to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said the alligator, a smooth face caiman, was so nasty and dangerous, it could hardly be handled. Gross said alligators are wild creatures—not pets—and should not be kept confined in the home.
The alligator, which appeared healthy, was delivered to a reptile sanctuary out of state.
Last week, a Suffolk man was hospitalized by bite from his rattlesnake, and the Suffolk SPCA seized his snakes.
The Suffolk SPCA holds an amnesty day at least once a year to allow owners of prohibited pets to forfeit the animals without fear of prosecution.